Heart-healthy eating can be good for your bottom line, as long as you plan ahead and shop smart, reports Health Clevelenad Clinic.

Spend a few minutes learning which healthy foods are a good deal and formulating a nutritional game plan. Make your shopping list, before you head out the door.

A heart-friendly diet emphasizes fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains and beans and lean protein.

Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season. They taste better, and the price tag will be lower. Look for weekly sales at local markets or try growing your own produce. Tomatoes and zucchini are good choices for new gardeners.

Limit or eliminate processed foods and prepared items. Packaged, pre-cooked foods usually have higher salt, fat and sugar content than what you can prepare at home from scratch.

Buy lean protein such as light-meat turkey.  Certain types of fish contain large amounts of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon is rich in Omega-3, but it can be pricey. Sardines and canned tuna (chunk light) are a thrifty and heart-friendly alternative. If you can’t find fresh sardines at the market, select sardines canned in water or packed in healthy oil.

Sometimes, the simplest way is the best way. Old-fashioned meal preparation makes sense for your heart and your budget. You might be pleasantly surprised to find out how far your dollars stretch when you buy raw ingredients and create your own entrees, snacks and sauces.

Here are some tips that will help you in making good choices for your health and your bottom line.

Meats

Grill, roast or bake lean meats.

Trim all fat and remove skin.

Vegetable dishes

Vegetables and beans are nutrient dense and have lots of healthy fiber. Make a meat-free meal, or add vegetables and whole grains to meat dishes to make them healthier and cheaper.

Some whole grains, such as oats, help to “soak up” bad LDL cholesterol, which reduces your risk for clogged arteries.

Treats

When you want a treat, reach for dark chocolate, dried fruits and walnuts or frozen fruit (such as grapes, bananas, mangoes, berries and pineapple.)